chiedere il conto
/ˈkjɛ.de.re il ˈkon.to/word by word
To get the bill in Italian is chiedere il conto.
chiedere il conto is the verbal phrase used to describe the action of asking a server for the final check at a restaurant. While this describes the act, if you are actually in a restaurant and want to request the bill, a common way to do so is to say Il conto, per favore.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb chiedere (to ask) and the noun il conto (the bill/check).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun conto is masculine and is used in its singular form when you are referring to the single bill for the table.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkjɛ.de.re il ˈkon.to/. The stress is on the first syllable of the five syllables.
Did you know?
- Splitting the bill, known as fare alla romana, is a traditional Italian custom where the total is divided equally regardless of what each person ordered.
- Unlike in some English-speaking cultures, it is often considered impolite or unnecessary for a server to bring the bill before the guests have explicitly asked for it.
- The word conto has a surprising connection to the concept of being 'refined' or 'polished', as it derives from Old French words meaning 'known' or 'courteous'.
Examples in context
- Posso chiedere il conto, per favore?Can I ask for the bill, please?
- Volevo chiedere il conto per due persone.I wanted to ask for the bill for two people.
- Dopo aver mangiato, dobbiamo chiedere il conto.After eating, we need to ask for the bill.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Alessandro and Martina are finishing their drinks.
- AlessandroMartina, hai finito la tua bevanda?Martina, have you finished your drink?
- MartinaSì, sono pronta per andare via.Yes, I am ready to go.
- AlessandroAllora, vado a chiedere il conto.Then, I'm going to ask for the bill.
- MartinaGrazie, Alessandro, sei molto gentile.Thank you, Alessandro, you are very kind.
